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Pentagon orders military to pull all library books on diversity
It is the broadest and most detailed directive so far on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s campaign to rid the military of DEI policies and materials.
Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard outline FY26 budget needs this week
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 12, 2025.
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Thousands in West Region being booted out of military’s Tricare
Those who want to reinstate their coverage must do so by June 30.
Felon hid dead uncle in trash can to keep stealing his vets benefits
A Missouri man has been charged with fraud and theft for concealing the death of his veteran uncle to continue collecting his disability checks.
Up to 1,000 transgender troops being separated under new Pentagon memo
Active duty troops have until June 6 to voluntarily identify themselves to the department, and troops in the National Guard and Reserve have until July 7.
Judge awards $680K to Hawaii military families over fuel-tainted water
The cases set the legal tone for thousands more military families and civilians suing over a 2021 jet fuel leak into a Navy drinking water system on Oahu.
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Mil Money
Thousands in West Region being booted out of military’s Tricare
Those who want to reinstate their coverage must do so by June 30.
Opinion
I sounded the alarm on burn pits — now I see smoke at the VA
The impact of VA Secretary Collins' staffing cuts remains hazy, not unlike the downwind side of a burn pit, Dan Clare of DAV argues in this op-ed.
DOD should fix parent notifications about alleged child abuse, IG says
DOD rules don't go far enough to ensure parents are aware of the specifics of allegations involving their children, the Inspector General found.
The subtle genius of the ‘chess scene’ in ‘Saving Private Ryan’
Captain Miller’s revelation humanizes soldiers and exposes the tragic irony of war.
In other news
Military families get another extension to ease Tricare West problems
But advocates question how much this move will help military families and medical providers.
This sailor requested leave to get his wife pregnant. It was approved.
“My wife is planning on getting pregnant this weekend,” the 1967 liberty request read, “and I would sure like to be there when it happens.”
What surviving an IED taught me about being a stand-up comedian
An Army veteran-turned-stand-up comedian discusses the importance of laughter in the wake of trauma.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Life of pie: Soldier charged with loan fraud in bakery boondoggle
The soldier has been charged for allegedly using a fraudulent pie business called “Granny’s Delight” to obtain COVID-related business relief loans.
Marine lights candles for romantic hotel surprise, sets room on fire
Update the safety brief.
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MORE STORIES
Vets benefits to mirror Social Security cost-of-living boost
Veterans will learn on Oct. 10 what their cost-of-living increase for benefits payouts will be in 2025.
White House announces billions in new Ukraine aid, new F-16 training
The almost $8 billion in assistance will empty out the money approved in an April supplemental defense bill passed by Congress.
Congress OKs three-month budget extension, avoiding October shutdown
Funding for most federal programs had been scheduled to expire after Sept. 30.
Senate confirms new National Guard chief, other command leaders
The top National Guard post has been vacant since the start of August.
VA to research link between PFAS chemicals and kidney cancer
The move could eventually lead to fast-track disability benefits for thousands of veterans.
Here’s what the Navy is doing to improve women’s uniforms
The program, known as the Size Modernization Program, seeks to standardize the fit and sizing of all service and dress uniforms for women sailors.
By Diana Stancy
Vets’ caregivers need more support from VA, local orgs, study finds
About 14.3 million individuals across America are currently serving as military and veteran caregivers, according to a new survey.
Aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman deploys into a volatile world
The Truman is the latest Navy aircraft carrier to deploy as tensions continue to near a boiling point in the Middle East.
By Diana Stancy
Food insecurity among military families unacceptable, advocates say
An estimated 325,000 military families are struggling with having enough food each week.
Spouses and vets are key to changing ‘broken’ narrative, experts say
Changing narratives around veterans and their military experience is key, according to advocacy groups.
By Karen Jowers